46th DAC Media Credential Qualification Guidelines

DAC will once again host the entire design automation community in San Francisco in July. 

As a service to 46th DAC exhibitors and the extended DAC community, DAC provides access and services to members of the media covering the conference. All registered media receive access to the exhibition, press room, press interview rooms and any scheduled press conferences. They are also eligible for single event passes to attend specific technical sessions they intend to cover.

Accreditation is granted at DAC’s discretion and media credentials are issued solely for the purposes of reporting, analyzing and commenting on the electronic design automation and semiconductor industries, industry news events, new products, business developments and other news associated with DAC.

Media accreditation is limited to those acting in an editorial capacity for relevant print, online and broadcast media. Publishers/associate publishers, sales, advertising, PR, marketing, market research, technical support staff, consultants and exhibiting company personnel are not eligible for press credentials. Persons issued press credentials are prohibited from advertising sales while at the 46th DAC. Press credentials will be revoked for anyone engaged in sales or solicitation activities.

Applicants seeking DAC media accreditation must be prepared to provide proof of their professional status, including titled business card, publication masthead and applicant’s name listed in an editorial capacity, Web address, etc.

In addition, DAC may require supporting documentation as summarized below. Pre-registration is recommended. Journalists registering on-site at the conference should bring all necessary supporting documentation. DAC reserves the right to deny media registration based on its interpretation of these requirements at any time during the pre-registration and on-site media registration process.

46th DAC media credentials will be assigned based on the following criteria:

Business and Trade Publications/News Wire Services


Reporters and editors from magazines, newspapers, trade publications and wire services must be able to provide a business card and a current masthead that includes their name. Contributing editors and reporters must verify they have been retained to cover DAC by presenting an original letter of assignment.

Association Publications


Reporters from internationally recognized magazines/newspapers/newsletters produced by industry associations must be able to provide both a business card with an editorial title and a current masthead that includes their name.

Television and Radio


Broadcast reporters and producers from news organizations must provide a business card.

Staff and Freelance Photographers/Videographers


Photographers and videographers from any media outlet need to provide a business card with name, title and media outlet's logo and an example of your work in an industry-related publication. Freelance photographers should provide a letter (on letterhead) from an editor or assignment manager at an industry-related publication indicating that they are photographing the tradeshow for that publication/news outlet.

Industry Analysts


Industry analysts must provide a business card from a recognized analyst firm.

Financial Analysts


Financial analysts from internationally recognized market research firms who track the EDA industry must provide a business card from a recognized analyst firm or research division of a financial institution.

Freelance Writers


Freelance writers must be able to provide at least one bylined article published within the last six months and must verify they have been retained to cover DAC by presenting an original letter of assignment. Those who freelance occasionally and are employed by non-news organizations are not eligible for media registration.

Online Media


Reporters, bloggers and editors from online publications, Internet-based newsletters, and blogs who are currently writing about the EDA and semiconductor industries are admitted at DAC’s discretion. To qualify for DAC press registration, publication Web sites and blogs must have been in existence for at least six months and contain original, dated industry-focused editorial content, posted at least once every other week. Additionally, the Web site must have a readership of more than 1,000 unique visitors per month.

Advance Registration


All media are encouraged to register in advance using the online registration process and assigned password. Those who pre-registered need to go to the 46th DAC press room in the Moscone Convention Center to pick up their DAC registration packet and press credentials. Media credentials will be distributed during open press room hours listed below:

Sunday, July 26 - 1:00 p.m.to 5:00 p.m.
Monday, July 27 - 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 28 - 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 29 - 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 30 - 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

On-Site Media Registration


All media who have not pre-registered must proceed to the DAC Press Room in the Moscone Convention Center. Members of the media must submit all documentation as specified on this page and on the media registration form. Media registrations will be accepted during open press room hours. If a qualified media member already has a full-conference registration they may also add the media designation and gain access to the media services outlined below.

Media Credentials Entitle Access To:


  • Technical Session Passes (Provided at Press Room by request) to gain access to:
    Panels, Paper sessions, Special Sessions, User Track, and Management Day.
  • Exhibition
  • Keynote Addresses and Awards, CEO Panel
  • Full use of the DAC Press Room and Press Interview Rooms
  • Conference Attendees’ Materials including the Proceedings DVD (Provided at Press Room by request)
  • Birds of a Feather Meetings

Services in Press Room:


  • Coffee, water, juice, soft drinks
  • Light snacks
  • Computers, printer
  • Internet access
  • Wi-Fi Access
  • Interview Rooms
  • Exhibitor press kits